A FORMER mountain rescue volunteer leapt into action to save a woman whose car had been swept into a river.

Leslie Spiers, 76, was sitting at home with his wife Jennie as Storm Bert bore down on the village of Fifehead Saint Quinton, three miles south of Sturminster Newton, on Saturday night.

At around 11pm, the couple noticed a car outside their home was being swept into the River Divilish from the road  and Mr Spiers did not think twice before getting into the river to help the woman who was screaming for help. 

Dr Leslie Spiers Dr Leslie Spiers (Image: Georgia Seaton-Stedham) He said: "I saw the car trying to drive through the flood water but it was impassable. Then I noticed the car was floating and it went into the river.

"She had managed to get out of the car and was screaming and shouting 'help save me' - I was in there in a minute - had she fallen, she would never have survived."

Mr Spiers added: "The banks are so steep, and I know the lay of the land and I shouted at her to stop moving and I got her with my hand and brought her to my home.

"People say it was brave but it was the only option. If she had fallen she would not have lived for very long."

The car became wedged by a nearby bridge that crosses the river The car became wedged by a nearby bridge that crosses the river (Image: Dr Leslie Spiers) Mr Spiers said that the water was fast flowing and dangerous but knew that his skills as a former mountain rescue volunteer, PE teacher and swim instructor meant he was trained to perform the rescue safely.

He added: "I was absolutely focused on rescuing her. Years ago I lived near the Lake District and use to be in the mountain rescue team and knew how to react. 

"I am a bit of an adventurer as well and have crossed Greenland and back-packed all across the world, so I did not get fazed and knew I could do it."

After bringing the woman to safety from the floodwater, his wife Jennie helped calm down the 'terrified' driver with cups of tea and clean clothes after a shower until a family member arrived to take her home.

Mr Spiers also raised concerns over the fact that there are no warning signs in place along Crate Hill where the incident unfolded and has written to his local councillor about the issue.